Recorded presentation

Sandro Galea, MD, MPH, DrPH, Center for Urban Epidemiologic Studies, New York Academy of Medicine, 1216 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10029, 212-822-7378, sgalea@nyam.org

Urbanization is one of the most important demographic shifts worldwide over the past century and represents a substantial change from how most of the world’s population has lived for the past several thousand years. The study of urban health considers how characteristics of the urban environment may affect population health. Most research that may pertain to urban health thus far has considered urban-rural or urban-urban comparisons. Newer work suggests that considering intra-urban differences may better help identify specific, potentially modifiable, characteristics of the urban environment that affect population health. We suggest that the key factors that affect health in cities can be considered within three broad themes: the physical environment, the social environment, and access to health and social services. This paper, (a) reviews the empiric research assessing the impact that urban living has on population health, (b) discusses the rationale for considering the study of urban health as a distinct field of inquiry, and (c) offers examples from research about the relation among the urban environment, substance use, and mental health to elaborate on the first two points. The methodologic and conceptual challenges facing the study of urban health, arising both from the limitations of the research to date and from the complexities inherent in assessing the relations among complex urban systems, disease causation, and health are discussed.

Learning Objectives:

• Discuss heuristic frameworks that conceptualize how urban neighborhoods may affect population health
• Discuss both the pros and the cons in considering urban health as a distinct field of inquiry
• Propose possible interventions aimed at improving features of the urban environment and improving health.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Recorded presentation